MS Dhoni and Kumara Sangakkara: A Juxtaposition of the Two Captains

We've reached the final frontier in the World Cup. The stage is set for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 final in Mumbai. After getting Pakistan to pack their bags to make the exit move, India is now staring Sri Lanka right in their eyes.

The Lankans on the other hand are refusing to get intimidated. Team India would be vying to 'repeat 1983' and become the first nation to win the cup on home soil. Besides, we've got some score to settle with the Lankans (remember 1986 semi-final).

The captains of both the teams, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Kumara Sangakkara, have their reputations at stake. There are three things common in the two men. Both of them: are prominent batsmen, are captains of their teams, and keep wickets. But this won't stop us from comparing the two. Here's a comparison of the two captains with respect to a few pre-defined aspects.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Performance

Dhoni can be ranked as a fairly good captain. He has taken sensible decisions on numerous occasions. Dhoni emerged as an audacious captain during matches against Australia and Pakistan. However, he has been labelled as “a headstrong captain” at times and has been accused of taking unwise decisions during the game. Be as it may be, Dhoni has managed to lead the team to the finals. Despite having a hard time with his bat in the tournament, people haven't lost faith in him.

Image

Dhoni enjoys his image as 'Captain Cool'. Although this image didn't do wonders during the initial matches in the World Cup, the wins against Australia and Pakistan have warranted the coolness in him. If India manages to thrash Sri Lanka, Dhoni may go on to enjoy a 'superhero' image.

Shrewdness

Dhoni can boast of a fair degree of shrewdness in him. He has a good understanding of the game. In the World Cup, Dhoni's cleverness has given the opponents a tougher time in the knock-out stage as compared to the league matches. Dropping Ashwin in the match against Pakistan was indeed a clever decision. Retaining Munaf and Nehra and getting them to deliver their best is another reflection of his prudence.

Grip on the Team

There are no doubts about this that Dhoni has a strong hold on the team. He is getting along well with every player of the team and the other players also seem to be happy in him. The Indian team does confide in its captain.

In the World Cup So Far

Under Dhoni's captaincy, the team has lost just one match. India tied with England and managed to knock-out Oz. And then in the match against Pakistan, Dhoni won hearts despite his poor batting.

Special Achievements

As a captain Dhoni has been able to do an overhaul for the team. He infused the hunger for winning in the team. India has managed to end Australia's reign in the World Cup. It was only under Dhoni's captaincy that India became the numero uno test team.

Kumara Sangakkara

Performance

He has done ample justice to his captaincy. Not only this, the man has performed really well with his bat as well. He has come to the rescue of the team in the league matches. If this was not enough, Sangakkara has been instrumental behind the wickets.

Image

Sangakkara enjoys a wonderful image as a captain/batsman/wicketkeeper. He steers away from tiffs in the team. No controversy has ever been attached to him.

Shrewdness

The man is getting clever with each passing day. He is known for taking intelligent decisions oSrin the field. He knows when and how to use the two star bowlers of the team - Lasith Malinga and Muttaiah Muralitharan.

Grip on the Team

Sangakkara is an affable captain. He is known to have a pleasing personality. Everybody in the team loves him. He doesn't hesitate to consult senior members of the team who are more than happy to advise him.

In the World Cup So Far

Under Sangakkara, Sri Lanka has had a brilliant run hitherto in the World Cup. They lost to Pakistan and shared a point with Oz. Then they comfortably vanquished England in the quarter-finals. In the semis, the Kiwis gave them a hard time but they eventually managed to outdo them.